Michigan State University reported a new record of $932 million in research and development expenditures for fiscal year 2024 in its preliminary submission to the 2024 Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey.

This surpasses the previous year by 10.4%, or nearly $88 million, maintaining a positive trajectory with cumulative 30% growth over three years, keeping MSU on track toward its strategic plan goal of reaching $1 billion in research expenditures by 2030.  

This growth was predominantly fueled by federally funded expenditures and bolstered by a rise in expenditures from state and local business sources.  

Doug Gage, MSU’s Vice President for Research and Innovation acknowledged these external partnerships and the dedication of faculty, students, and staff in research endeavors. 

“Sponsored research activities support innovation and creativity that lead to new knowledge and practical solutions to complex challenges faced every day by society. Research discoveries translate into novel products, therapies, and companies, driving economic growth and creating new market opportunities.” 

Research expenditures—that is, the funds spent to conduct research—are the most frequently cited numbers for comparing research levels among colleges and universities. The National Science Foundation (NSF) surveys all federal fund recipients annually, asking about their research expenditures from all funding sources. MSU has participated in that survey since 1998. The NSF numbers constitute the most comprehensive listing of research expenditures and provide consistency for comparison with other institutions.